We have the honour of acknowledging the receipt of your Excellency's polite favour of the 7th Instant for which be pleased to accept of our thanks. Previous to its coming to hand we had given the necessary orders to Brigadier Rutherford (who commands on our Frontiers) to embody a sufficient force to march against the Cherokee Indians in conjunction with the commanding officer of So Carolina. The Troops Brigadier Rutherford carries with him are as chosen Rifle Men as any on this Continent and are hearty and determined in the present cause. We have every expectation from them.

-------------------- page 317
--------------------

With pleasure we assure you that they are well armed & have plenty of Ammunition in short they are well equipped. We rejoice most heartily with your Excellency at the calamitous and Whimsical situation of the British Heroes & our wish is that all the contemptable Creatures & Tyrants may ever be in the same distressed State